Horror opening sequence

1. Horror Opening Sequences By Hollie Potter

2. American Horror Story • Within this PowerPoint I will be analysing the opening sequence from the tv series American Horror story (Asylum), directed by Ryan Murphy. I will be illustrating how Murphy uses the conventions of ‘horror’ within his opening title. • ‘Asylum’ is the second season from the tv series American Horror Story, commonly known as ‘AHS’. It was premiered and aired on October 17th 2012 to January 23rd 2013. Currently, it is being streamed on Netflix and amazon prime, two of the biggest streaming services within modern day history.

3. Genre and conventions The genre of the opening title sequence is horror, this can be shown through the conventional use of ... • Gory images • Quick paced editing • Jump scares • Symbolic use of blood • Use of nuns (juxtaposes the ‘angelic’ imagery with the dark nature of the sequence) • Periodic imagery • Eerie, chilling music

4. Narrative • As shown through a wide shot, there is what appears to be an asylum patient washroom consisting of four bathtubs. The lighting is lowkey and centered around a rustic, dark colour pallet. There is water leaked on the floor, reflecting the only light source withdrawn from the back window. As this is the establishing shot, Murphy has intentionally created a derelict and negative space in order to set the tone for the rest of the sequence. • Religious symbolism is first introduced at 00:09 with a supposed nun holding the Christian cross. Murphy implemented this votive imagery early on due to religion being one of the biggest motifs within the tv series. • We are then presented with the next motif at 00:16. The camera focuses in on an open surgery, overtly encouraging the graphics of the image. As an audience, we can gather the assumption that there will be medical references within the show. This compliments the theme of ‘insanity’ as it delves into the discussion of how mental health is treated medically. The idea that mental health can be solved via surgery (referencing to lobotomies and other practices carried out in the 1940’s) is ludicrous and chilling to a 21st -century viewer.

5. Target audience • As this tv series is rated 18, we can clearly gather a sense of the explicit and mature themes presented via the imagery shown. • I would suggest the demographic to be targeted for women and men over the age of 18, decreasing the age range after the 50+ mark due to the inclusion of jump scares and disturbing, racy images. It may not be to everyone’s liking due to the unsettling themes presented. • There is some evident use of explicit and complex themes presented which would further compliment the idea of an older viewing range. For example, the use of animalistic imagery, such as the dead pig, really emphasizes the deeply distressing tone of the sequence, it also connotes the idea of sacrifice, linking to the motif of religious symbolism. • This is further acknowledged through the juxtaposed imagery of the nun sexualizing the patient. Murphy plays on the contrast between the stereotype of nuns being pure and innocent against the disturbing and ‘evil’ imagery shown via the sexual act.

6. Camera work • The camera work in the AHS opening sequence is one of my favorites, as well as the editing. • Murphy creatively slaps wide shots (to establish the setting of the asylum) against close up shots of conventional horror imagery, such as the eyes of the statue, or the eyes of the patient shown through bars. The consistent utilization of jump cutting, and flashing editing really builds the tension of the sequence, allowing the audience to react on pure enigma and suspense which is essentially the prime aim. • There is also a clear power play between low and high camera angle shots. The low angles, such as the statue looking down on the viewer, really accentuates the dominance inserted from the characters of ‘power’, this makes us, as an audience, feel threatened and uncomfortable. • The high angles, however, make the watchers feel as though they are intruding their privacy. Murphy deliberates portrays this as it fuels the cultural stereotype of asylums being deceiving to its original duty of helping people in need.

7. Did you think the opening sequence was successful? Yes, I think the opening sequence was extremely successful, as it illustrated all the conventional imagery of a horror opening title, whilst still pushing its creative boundaries. The images created enigma and depicted little snippets of what to expect, giving clear insight into what the audience should be anticipating to see, without exploiting the storyline completely. I have a huge admiration for Ryan Murphy and his work as I believe he creates flawless, top tier opening sequences. In future works, I hope to incorporate aspects of his filming into my own projects.